The second Advent weekend will see heavy traffic increases in city centers due to Christmas markets, construction, and closures, the ADAC warns. Drivers should opt for public transport to avoid jams and parking hassles. Specific disruptions affect cities including Stuttgart, Ulm, Konstanz, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg.
The ADAC points to noticeable traffic buildup in and around city centers, especially on weekends during Advent, due to Christmas market visitors. Numerous construction sites and closed roads complicate access. To skip long drives and parking searches, the ADAC strongly advises using public transport.
In Stuttgart, Saturday's sold-out Bundesliga match between VfB and Bayern München at 3:30 p.m. in the MHP Arena will cause extra traffic and road closures, the city's press office stated. For the Ulm Christmas market, the B10 is currently closed, requiring adherence to detour signs. Konstanz has no ring traffic around the inner city anymore, as the new car-free Bahnhofsplatz bans vehicles. Karlsruhe faces delays from construction on the B10 Kriegsstraße and the tunnel closure near Karlsruher Schloss, according to ADAC Nordbaden.
Illegal parking carries risks: The ADAC notes that cities like Stuttgart will ramp up violation checks in the pre-Christmas period. Instead of jams and packed garages, experts suggest buses and trains. Ulm and Neu-Ulm provide free public transport on Saturdays from November 29 to December 27. Konstanz offers a city shuttle to the inner city and free parking at Parkhaus Europabrücke on Advent Saturdays. For Freiburg, ADAC Südbaden recommends Park-and-Ride facilities, where Deutschlandticket holders park for free.
The ADAC also cautions against underestimating alcohol in hot drinks like Glühwein, as sugar accelerates absorption and raises blood alcohol levels. E-scooter riders face the same limits as car drivers.